"It's a little unimpressive isn't it? I know they say size doesn't matter, but c'mon."

Ash chuckles at that, "Well the story states that when the chosen one places it in his hand, the blade will flourish into an incredible broadsword that can kill any demon. Apparently 'the one' has yet to come into existence."

"Kinda makes you want to touch it eh?"

"I already have," he says with a smirk.

"No dice?"

"Nope," he answers.

"Well whoever created it surely missed the boat on that one. I mean why create something that you will never be known for? Or better yet, profit from? I'd be like, sure yeah I can make this sword, but what is it really going to get me? Maybe I should design indoor plumbing or a small pox vaccine. They sure could have used that way back in the day. Kinda a waste of resources don't cha think?"

Ash laughs as our giggles reverberate off the silent walls. I feel strangely energized in this room, surrounded by such cool s.h.i.t. It makes me giddy in the oddest of ways, like I've just had a giant espresso. I hug my arms closer to myself, revelling in the fantasy of this room. Ash is reading a small write up under some giant mask-like object so I take my chance in the darkness to really size him up. The moonlight coming in through the windows cast romantic shadows on his cheek bones, giving him an almost ethereal appearance. He's physically gorgeous, I know that, but coming here to this place, I feel a certain protectiveness over him, a really strong connection to him. My body feels full of tingles and something else I just can't put my finger on. I know you're going to say 'hormones dummy!' but it seems to be more then that. He turns then as if feeling my gaze upon him. We just look at each other for a moment, caught in a magnetic pull, feeling something happening in the pit of my stomach which I can't imagine is one-sided.

In two strides he closes the gap between us and before I can even form a coherent thought, he snakes his hands behind my neck and pulls me into a frantic kiss. His lips are soft at first but then move with an urgency, like he can't get enough of it, leaving me rasping and wanting so much more. I give myself completely to him as I grab him from behind his neck, reach up on my tippy toes and entwine my hands into his hair with a force I didn't even know I possessed. I pull myself up as he moves his arms to lock around my waist, holding me even closer. His fingers inch up my back, exploring my body as we move together like we are built for this one act of pure s.e.xual release. My legs feel wobbly, like the ground is trembling, about to fall away and take us with it. I never want it to stop.

But it does.

In an instant he untangles himself from me and steps back with an abrupt quickness. I open my eyes and he's standing about five feet away from me now, breathless and clearly trying to compose himself. How did he get so far from me so fast? Actually, more importantly, why?

I stare at him and try to figure out what I did wrong. He's looking back at me with the same heat in his eyes I am sure of it. It almost seems like he's trying to gauge my reaction. I can surely say that I couldn't have been more forthcoming in that kiss, but he seems suddenly guarded.

My sense of composure is out the window though; like he has awakened a part of me that I didn't know existed, a hunger that wants to control me. I am too stunned to do anything but stare back at him and hope he makes the next move. I give him a little smile and his mouth curves up in relief.

"I've been waiting a long time to do that Stella."

"What took you so long?"

I can honestly say that the long ride home felt more like 4 minutes. I'm sure we chatted, but I couldn't focus on anything, I just kept thinking of that kiss. We left the museum shortly after, like Ash needed to get me out of there on the double. I barely muttered a toodles to Ed and he was ushering me into the car and zooming down the road. I think I can safely say that I wasn't the only one who felt something primordial in that encounter and all I kept thinking about was the fact that he was taking me home to an empty house with no parental figure to keep me virtuous. I think I'm in trouble.

Finally we hit Alessa and pull into my long driveway. Ash cuts the engine and looks over at me with telling eyes. I know what he's thinking but clearly he's trying to be the gentleman and let me lead.

"Um, did you want to come in for a bit, it's still fairly early..." And before I finished my sentence he was out the door and walking over to open mine. Oh c.r.a.p.

My hands were trembling as we walked up the steps to the porch. Trying to find my keys in the black hole purse is going to be a challenge. He's giving me some s.p.a.ce, clearly sensing my trepidation. Harve nearly took me out when I finally opened the door but it was an excellent ice breaker. Nothing spoils s.e.xual tension like a 130 pound s...o...b..ring dog.

"Ok Harve, I love you too, now get outside and do your thing. What can I say, he adores me," I say looking back at Ash. I shove Harve outside and shut the door behind us. I busy myself in taking off my shoes and coat, trying not to make eye contact until I am sure I've got it together.

"Would you like a tour of the house?"

"No, not really."

"Are you hungry? I can make some popcorn and we can watch a movie or something?

"No. Not hungry." He says with a grin.

I look up to meet his gaze as he's leaning his back against the front door, his arms crossed in front. I hold his gaze for a few seconds before I turn and pad my way into the kitchen turning on the lights.

"C'mon in Ash, I won't bite... " I say looking back at him with a smile. I like this thing called the upper hand. He's still standing under the shadows of the living room but I can see a lop-sided grin creep across his face.

He moves into the kitchen after me and plays nice. "Actually popcorn sounds good. Let me make it for you," he says. I watch him for a minute before I clue into the fact that he seems to know his way around the kitchen, like the whole kitchen. He even knew where to find the cooking oil?

I step up behind him eyeing his clear knowledge of our cupboards. "Can I ask how you are so adept at rooting around my cupboards for supplies, have you been spying on me Mr. Grey?" I question.

Ash's body stiffens, pausing mid task, making my pulse shoot up with the possibility that maybe I've bitten off more then I can chew. Maybe Gabs was right. I've invited a perfect stranger into my empty house. Someone I have no real knowledge of other then the fact that he likes to break into museums in the dark of night. I'm such an idiot.

He takes a moment before turning around to face me head on. He's standing in front of the stove as I step back away from him, hitting the island as my hands grab the edge to steady me. We're only a few feet away from each other, but I can feel the tension between us as my pulse quickens in antic.i.p.ation or fear. I'm not sure which yet.

It happens in an instant as he steps towards me and bridges the gap to a mere few centimetres. He searches deep into my eyes as my insides flip like crazy, ripping away all my self control. It's like he's looking for something, a strange mix of desire and confusion.

His left hand moves to gently cradle my neck and brushes a few stray strands of hair tucking them behind my ear with his right. Murderous rampages forgotten as my primal instinct takes over. I'm so done being good.

I crush myself onto him, pressing my lips against his with a hunger that I just can't control. He stumbles back, still connected with me, but quickly regains his ground and fully leans into my advancements. He pulls me up to him, taking control of my body as I wrap my hands around his neck, grasping at his shirt. Nothing in any book, movie or TV show has ever prepared me for the kind of heat that is engulfing me now.

He leans forward to pull my legs up and wraps them around his waist. He's so strong he can lift me effortlessly. He pushes forward so that I'm sitting on the island and he's positioning himself almost on top of me. I grab for his shirt and yank it up over his head. His body is all lean muscle, divine and hard ripples under a soft layer of smooth flesh. We're engaging in hot shameless groping and it feels amazing.

I break from the kiss and grab his face, pulling his gaze onto mine, trying to read his thoughts. His eyes are telling me everything I need to know; he wants me as much as I want him, like an uncontrollable force pressing us closer. His skin feels like it's on fire as I explore every inch of him. He starts to kiss down my neck and chest as I bring my legs up and wrap them tighter around his hips. It feels like the world is spinning like a tornado and the earth is literally shaking.

Hastily he tears himself off of me and steps back a few feet clearly disoriented and hitting the stove with a bang.

"What's wrong?" I breathe heavily trying to compose myself as I lean up on my forearms.

He's staring at the ground, his fists in tight knots, mumbling under his breath what sounds like a chant, but I can't tell for sure. He's talking to himself and looking around in a clearly confused state. Almost like he is trying to figure out how he got here.

I sit up straight and hop off the counter. As I step towards him, he looks up in a sharp movement and steps back away from me. What the what?

"I gotta go," he spits out as he grabs for his shirt and keys and turns on a dime towards the front door.

"Um, h.e.l.lo? What just happened here?"

"I uh, need to get home. I just remembered my Dad is getting home tonight and I really have to be there." I'm so stunned I can't even form a sentence, so the best I can muster is a 'wha?'.

Like a blur he's already at the front door, yanking his shirt back over his head. He makes a quick turn back to look at me and says,"I'll call you later." And that's it, he's gone. Out the door, slamming it behind him as I see him through the front window jumping off the porch to his car. I hear the engine roar to life as he tears out the gravel from our driveway.

In a daze, I slowly walk close to the window, willing him to come back, trying to mentally figure out what the h.e.l.l just happened. I can see my reflection in the gla.s.s, my rumpled hair, bruised lips and flushed complexion. It was real wasn't it? Did I give it up too easily? Was I really bad at making out? At least I can rule out serial killer. I think.

Harve jumps up to the window with a force that shakes the house making me drop jump about a foot. Well at least someone is still happy to see me.

Chapter 16.

d.i.c.k Head The next few days pa.s.s in a slow, horrible, anxiety filled blur. He doesn't call, text, email, send the pony express - nada. In fact, he doesn't even show up to school on Monday. Scratch that, he hasn't been in school all week. Gabs is all 'I told you so', which I clearly reamed her for, so she's backing off a bit and trying to be more supportive of her jilted friend.

I've replayed the night a thousand times in my head, but I can't figure it out. Could I be that delusional? Did I make the whole thing up in my mind? Throughout the week I've kept my ear to the ground, trying to figure out what the h.e.l.l happened to him. It's as if he just dropped off the face of the earth. I approached some of the guys he typically hung around with, asked a few questions, but the funny thing is that no one really knew that much about him. They all a.s.sumed he was some rich kid with a bit of a 'tude. No one had ever even heard him talk about his family, home life, or even his old school.

Of corse I'm dying on the inside but trying to remain cool and aloof which I don't think is fooling anyone. I mean I knew I had a slim chance with him regardless, but I really did think we had a connection. I feel so stupid. Time to refocus, get school over with and get the h.e.l.l out of here. I will not waste another moment thinking about that t.i.t face. By the time Thursday came around I had tricked myself pretty good into thinking I was OK and 'over it'. I pulled into the parking lot in a pretty decent mood, the sun was shining, the birds were chirping and my hair really did look good today. A nice start. Things were on the up sweep when I saw his car and my stomach plummeted into my toes.

I'd all but written him off, but it never fails, you see the one who screwed you over and instead of closure it instantly comes rushing back. The embarra.s.sment, uncertainty, self loathing. In a split second, I was back to the last moment we spent together and feeling the rush of heat in my cheeks. Of corse he's parked near where I normally do so I don't even notice him until it is too late to roar Murrie into the other side of the lot. He's looking directly at me with that intense stare, sporting a grey t-shirt pulled tight against his chest and casually leaning against his car with nary a care in the world. Guys blow. It's like oh, hey Stella, sorry for running out on you mid-make out but I had to bail with no explanation, no call, no nothing, but here I am a week later, and ready for you to jump me. Uh-uh, nope, I've learned my lesson, I'm in control, I'm going to get out, walk the s.e.xiest walk I can muster without falling over and pop you the bird. Suck it Grey.

I hop out, sling my bag over my head and start walking. Fast. Do not make eye contact, do not make eye contact, do not make eye contact.

"Uh Stella, can I talk to you a sec?" c.r.a.p I made eye contact.

"Nope." And I kept walking, not the s.e.xy walk I had hoped for, more of a stomp, but it's better then tripping.

In my peripheral, I see him peel away from his car to follow me into school so I pick up my pace and book it towards Biology. Pretty certain I've out-walked him, I casually peek backwards over my shoulder. Yup, gone. Feeling a tad disappointed by his lame attempt to explain, I turn right down the east hall, screeching to a stop before I plow into him. He's standing right there, his left arm spread wide touching the lockers, blocking my pa.s.sage, how the h.e.l.l did he manage that?

"I said I needed to talk, can you stop running away for two seconds so I can explain?"

"How the c.r.a.p did you get over here so fast? Whatev. I need to get to cla.s.s." I duck under his arm as he grabs my left elbow and pulls me back around to face him. His touch sends a bolt up to my shoulders. I have a slew of curse words ready to spew out of my mouth any second, but when I look into his eyes and with his hand still holding my arm, I can't form a coherent sentence. Ok plan B: get this over with; hear him out, tell him off and move on with your day. Done.

"Ok, you have 4 minutes. In 5, I'll officially be late, which I will then be forced to to tell to Mr. Abbey that you accosted me in the hall."

"Whew, 4 minutes, that's gonna be tight. Can I renegotiate?" he says trying to make a joke. No dice buddy. I remain tight lipped and stiff as a board. Regrouping he tried again, "Ok. Look, I'm so sorry I ran out on you like that. I didn't have to go home that night, you're right. I didn't have to be anywhere but there with you, and believe me, that's the only place I wanted to be," he says with a shaky breath as if he has been holding onto that statement for a week. Oh wait, he actually was, d.i.c.k.

"When we started kissing, I felt something I've never felt before. I can't explain it, but I know you felt it too. There was something happening between us, and it freaked me out." He looks into my eyes expecting me to just accept that? That bull c.r.a.p? I watch movies. I know a line when I hear one. Boy does he have a lot to learn about me.

"Is that all you got? You wasted 34 seconds on THAT. Geesh." I move to the left to walk around him but he swiftly moves in front of me, blocking my exit.

"I still have 3 min, 14 seconds left, you promised."

"Fine, what other dumb excuse did you want to use?"

"You really aren't making this easy on me Stella." He looks up into my eyes, and I can tell by his expression that no, this actually isn't easy on him, not in the least. As I look closer I can see the dark circles under his lashes and a gaunt look has settled across his face, like he hasn't slept or eaten in a week. I won't be swayed, it could all be an act, and actually achieved with the right amount of Rick Baker make up.

"And why should I? You left right in the middle of it, wait scratch that, you RAN away right in the middle of it. It wasn't just a silly make-out session to me, it isn't something I give out to every guy on the block if that's what you thought. You didn't call, didn't text, didn't come back to school for 4 days! You can't be trusted Ash, you surely know how to make a girl doubt her mad skills."

He laughs at this, "Mad skills, is that what you call it?" He's going to tease me now? NOW?!

"Insulting me is not helping your situation jerk-off. Is that all then?" I look down at the floor, very aware that I am completely mortified and blushing from the comment. Geez, I know I haven't been around the block a lot, but that was a low blow.

He looks exasperated by me and places his hands on his hips, visibly trying to control his temper as he looks to the ground and attempts to regulate his breathing. I pull both arms in close and fold them in front to remain firm and defiant - definitely childish but it works. He's clearly furious, and takes a few seconds to reign himself in. Then in an all too quick movement he grabs my face and pulls me towards him, way too close. I try to pull back but he is really strong.

"Stella, I didn't mean it like it was nothing. I meant it like it knocked me over and had me crying uncle. You really have no idea of the effect you have on me do you? Over ALL the guys at this c.r.a.ppy school? I've only got 15 seconds left here to tell you that you are the only girl I have ever felt remotely that way about. When you grabbed me like that in the kitchen it took every amount of strength I had to get out of there before I clearly took full advantage of you."

I was floored. What could I say to that? Is it just a really huge line he's using on me? Does he say this to all the girls? My mind is a muddled mess and I need to think. He's just standing there, staring at me, and my world starts to spin. I'm intoxicated by his very presence. I have no idea if I'm now late for cla.s.s, and at this point I really don't care. I need some air, I need a moment to process this.

He seems to sense this and drops his hands, stepping backward. He looks vulnerable and unsure of himself, hooking his fingers on his belt loops, shuffling his boots across the dusty floor and avoiding my eyes. My firm att.i.tude is melting away, leaving me tired and confused. Look, I'm no advocate for second chances with guys who are most likely playing me, but there is something about his energy that is off today. I don't sense any over confidence, insincerity, bulls.h.i.t lies from this guy. I think he's officially more screwed up then I am.

"Ok, look Ash, you effed up. You effed up big time. You left me standing there thinking I was a toad and I'm really not sure what to believe at this point. I don't know what you're so scared of, but if what you say is true, you had better start making some sweet amends to me. I'm talking chocolate, throwing money around, jumping at my every whim. I mean it, if you care about me you must realize that you can't take back what you did. I don't trust you, and I particularly don't like you right now. You have your work cut out for you," I say. My resolve starting to melt.

A small smile creeps into his face, erasing the tension just like that. A moment pa.s.ses where we are just staring at each other, figuring out what to do next. He finally looks at his watch.

"I think my time is up," he whispers.

"I really have to get to cla.s.s."

"Can I see you after school?"

"Can't, I've got to get home for dinner. Dad is having some geeky dudes from the University over for supper, I need to play hostess."

"Can I see you after dinner?"

"Whoa guy, I think you are jumping the gun a bit. How about we have a do-over Friday night. You can try to woo me back and I will decide if you are worth of my time." I give my nails a drama queen inspection as he nods in agreement with a big smile plastered across his face.

"I think I'm up for the challenge. See you then Stella." He steps to the side to let me pa.s.s, gives me a final grin and walks away down the hall behind me.

"Wait a minute! Aren't you going to cla.s.s?"

"Nah, I've had a tough week. I'm ditching today. Besides, I've got some serious wooing to come up with." He looks back at me as he says this, with a big grin on his face. Yup, he was so playing me.

Chapter 17.

Take Two The rest of the week flies by as I try to get Gabs' take on Ashs' declarations. She isn't having it, refusing to get in the middle of my messed up drama. I know she was secretly wishing we were kaput so she wouldn't have to pretend to like him anymore. I guess referring to him as 'a.r.s.e wipe' made her intentions pretty clear. I know she's just trying to protect me and I don't blame her. If the situation was reversed I would be just as sceptical.

I don't really know what to think anymore either. I've a.n.a.lyzed, sweat bullets, fretted, cried, screamed and panicked. Pretty much the gamut of all pms-y emotions. I'm exhausted and going in with no expectations, so that I can't get hurt this time right? With that thought lingering, I hear a roar zipping up my driveway; it sounds like a lap in the Indy. I peek out the window to see Ash flipping his leg over a sleek black motorcycle. He pulls off his helmet and hitches it onto the back of the bike, he has GOT to be kidding. Although my heart does speed up just a little in antic.i.p.ation. I've never been on one before, but h.e.l.l, I know enough that being that close to him could have serious repercussions and he knows it. You sly dog. I hear the front door open already, s.h.i.t, Dad!

I'm still at the top of the stairs but I can hear my Dad giving him the what for, clear as day. I hang back for a little listen as I let him have some choice words with his daughters date; I mean I don't want to make this TOO easy for him. I smile to myself as he lays into the hard hitting lecture about speed, death traps, his only child, responsibility, and my personal favourite a the wrath of Dad. You know the one. How if you hurt one hair on my daughters head I will hunt you down and remove all body parts that mean one spec of importance to you. I giggle to myself a bit and figure he's had enough for one night as I turn the corner and head down the stairs.

Ash seems pretty unfazed, but a little relieved to see me. All in all I think he faired pretty well. Dad is quite red faced and fl.u.s.tered, but after that tirade I would say he's holding his own.

"Home by midnight Stella, not a second later, wear your helmet at all times and for G.o.ds sake, do NOT let him go above 45."

"Sure Dad, gotcha." I give him a little salut as he wraps me in an awkward hug before he hightails it to the kitchen without a single utterance of good bye to my date.

I turn back to Ash looking quite surprised by that sudden show of affection, I think he's still in shock that his daughter started dating before 30, poor guy.

"Well, you sure know how to rile up the adults. Is it a special gene you possess, or just a genuine lack of respect for authority figures?" I say as I slide on my boots and grab my coat from the hook. I'm so glad I opted for jeans casual instead of flowy dressy, much more death mobile appropriate.

"I think they're in awe of my awesomely charismatic charm and witty remarks. Besides, I saw the look on your Dad's face, he is SO jealous of my bike out there, it's killing him!" I smile at him picturing my Dad on his motorcycle, he'd probably not make it to the end of the driveway before ditching it. He's super smart, but clumsy as h.e.l.l.

"So, where are you whisking me off to on your machine built to make you seem more manly?"

"Ouch. I guess I deserved that," he says with a smirk as he grabs my hand and we close the front door behind us.

"I thought we could go for a drive, and I have a little spot in mind for a pit stop if you're up for it?" he replies as he brushes a stray strand of hair from my cheek.